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Regardless of what their record says, the Kansas City Chiefs still have one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League. However, that doesn’t mean he should have to do all the heavy lifting.
At least, that’s how Alex Smith feels. Talking on ESPN, the former Chiefs quarterback claimed that the team is relying too much on Patrick Mahomes to get something done:
“They really lack details. They were not very good situationally. Played bad in the red zone. They missed long deep balls down the field. They’ve got to get these things cleaned up. They rely way too much on Patrick [Mahomes] creating offense, doing so many things out of rhythm,” Smith said.
"They rely way too much on Patrick [Mahomes] creating offense."
—Alex Smith on the Chiefs "lacking details" in their offense 😳 pic.twitter.com/tScvMPN5RW
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 23, 2025
Granted, the Chiefs have given Mahomes more weapons this season. While they don’t have a true workhorse running back anymore, the pass catchers’ corps of Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Travis Kelce is quite proficient.
Even so, this team hadn’t missed Eric Bieniemy as much as they’ve done this season. Matt Nagy has failed to instill any sort of trickery or motion in this offense, and Andy Reid’s usually great play-calling has been rather predictable this season.
The Chiefs also struggled with poor blindside protection this season. Rookie OT Josh Simmons is a star in the making, but he was away from the team to attend an undisclosed family matter, missing a little over a month.
Now, the Chiefs are sitting on a 5-5 record and riding a two-game losing streak. This is uncharted territory for them, and they might not even make the playoffs if they don’t turn things around soon.
Of course, it will never be wise or accurate to give up on someone like Patrick Mahomes. But as great as he is, he can only do so much when the game plan and play-calling don’t put him in a position to succeed.
NEXT: Travis Kelce Opens Up About Potential Retirement Plans